Tab Hunter (1931-)

biography

Handsome actor Tab Hunter was born Arthur Andrew Kelm (later changed to Gelien) on July 11, 1931, in New York City. In 1934, Hunter's mother divorced his abusive father, and his mother moved Hunter and his older brother to California, finally settling in Los Angeles. In 1946, at the age of 15, he joined the Coast Guard, lying about his age in order to be admitted. It was during this time that Hunter was bitten by the acting bug, which he did in part to overcome shyness. His 6' 1", 180-pound frame plus his good looks opened doors in Hollywood, and he was discovered by talent agent Henry Willson, who renamed him 'Tab Hunter.' Hunter made his first film appearance at the age of 19 in The Lawless (1950; with Macdonald Carey and Gail Russell).

LEFT: With John Bromfield. CENTER A: With Roddy McDowall. CENTER B: Beefcake shot. RIGHT: Tab Hunter was chosen over James Dean for the role of Danny Forrester in Battle Cry. Both actors were under contract with Warner Bros.

The 1952 release Island of Desire proved to be Hunter's big break, and he was soon on his way to stardom. He made a few pictures between 1952 and 1954, before signing with Warner Bros., including Return to Treasure Island. With his Warner Bros. contract, Tab Hunter was one of the last actors who was a product of the studio system. His first film for the studio was Track of the Cat (1954; with Robert Mitchum and William Hopper). With the release of Battle Cry (1955; with Van Heflin and Dorothy Malone), Hunter established himself as a major box-office attraction.

During his tenure at Warner Bros., Hunter embarked on a successful singing career, first recording for the Dot label. He scored a top ten hit with Young Love in 1957. Later, Hunter recorded for Warner Bros. when the studio established a record label.

Hunter's album Young Love

In the 1950s and 1960s, many Warner Bros. actors had difficultly with the studio's rigid contract (such as Clint Walker and James Garner), and Tab Hunter was no exception. Therefore, in the late 1950s, Hunter bought his contract back from Warners and struck out on his own. In 1960, Hunter starred in the NBC situation comedy The Tab Hunter Show, in which Hunter portrayed a cartoonist. Unfortunately, The Tab Hunter Show was canceled at the end of the 1960-1961 season. Without a major studio behind him, Hunter's film career began to slide, so he concentrated on Broadway instead, doing fewer and smaller films and quite a bit of television.

the films of tab hunter

Island of Desire (1952)

Hunter is stranded on a desert island with Linda Darnell in the romance Island of Desire

Return to Treasure Island (1954)

Images from Return to Treasure Island with Dawn Addams

The Girl He Left Behind (1956)

Images from The Girl He Left Behind. The center photo includes Natalie Wood

Lafayette Escadrille (1958)

Promotional photo from Lafayette Escadrille (1958) with William Wellman Jr., Jody McCrea, and David Janssen

The Tab Hunter Show (NBC, 1960-1961)

Hunter rehearses with glamorous actress Nita Talbot for an October 1960 episode of The Tab Hunter Show

The Golden Arrow (1962)

Hunter starred in the Italian-made swashbuckler The Golden Arrow

Operation Bikini (1963)

Hunter and Frankie Avalon in the American International war drama Operation Bikini

Filmed in Spain, The Fickle Finger of Fate was another of Hunter's comedies

Polyester (1981)

With Divine in the hilarious John Waters comedy Polyester

Grease 2 (1982)

Lust in the Dust (1985)

From Paul Bartel's Lust in the Dust with Divine and Lainie Kazan

tab hunter today

Although Tab Hunter was groomed as the all-American boy next door, he is at his best when playing villains. He has made many dramas yet has turned in a number of fine comedic performances. In addition to films and television, Hunter has also acted in a number of Broadway plays and has given many dinner theater performances. In 1980, he accepted a role in John Waters' Polyester, portraying lothario Todd Tomorrow opposite Divine. Hunter and Divine teamed up again for the 1985 release Lust in the Dust, directed by Paul Bartel and produced by Hunter.

Today, Tab Hunter is as handsome as ever and is still hard at work. Hunter published his memoirs, titled Tab Hunter Confidential, in 2005. Hunter and his partner, producer Allan Glaser, have been together for about 30 years and are producing a couple of documentaries, one on actor Divine and another on Hunter himself.

FILMThe Lawless [DVD](1950) DVDA former big-city reporter (Macdonald Carey) takes over as editor of a small California town's newspaper in the hopes it will prove to be an easy, stress-free job. But he soon finds himself at the center of a racial controversy when he launches a crusade to improve working conditions for the local Mexican fruit-pickers and champions the rights of one worker accused of instigating a riot. Gail Russell, Johnny Sands, Lee Patrick also star. 83 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.Island Of Desire [DVD](1952) DVDTab Hunter stars in this steamy drama, portraying a young Marine shipwrecked on an island with a beautiful nurse (Linda Darnell). At first alone and combative on the island, the castaways are gradually attracted to each other just as the arrival of a handsome pilot (Donald Gray) complicates their relationship even more. With John Laurie, Sheila Chong. AKA: "Saturday Island." 93 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono. The Steel Lady [DVD](1953) DVDMiraculously surviving a plane crash in the Sahara, an airman (Rod Cameron) and his three passengers unearth a derelict German tank left buried since World War II. Restoring it to working order, the foursome soon meets up with Arabs who believe them to be key in recovering a mythical cache of jewels. Exotic adventure film co-stars Tab Hunter, Anthony Caruso, and John Abbott. 84 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.Track Of The Cat [DVD](1954) DVDNoted for its subdued color cinematography and psychological subtexts, director William Wellman's compelling frontier drama is set in a snowbound farmhouse in 1880s Northern California. As jealousies and rivalries tear at the family members trapped inside, a deadly panther waits out in the wilderness. Robert Mitchum, Tab Hunter, Teresa Wright, Diana Lynn, Beulah Bondi, and, as a 100-year-old Indian, Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer star. 102 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital Surround, Dolby Digital stereo Surround; Subtitles: English; audio commentary; featurettes; theatrical trailer; photo gallery. John Wayne's Suspense Collection: Presented By Batjac Productions [DVD] DVDFour-disc set includes "Man in the Vault," "Plunder of the Sun," "Ring of Fear," and "Track of the Cat." Return To Treasure Island [DVD](1954) DVDLighthearted follow-up to the pirate classic follows Jamesina "Jamie" Hawkins (Dawn Addams), beautiful young descendant of Jim, as she comes into possession of a valuable treasure map. With help from a dashing archeology student (Tab Hunter), Jamie will have to stay one step ahead of some greedy scalawags if she hopes to get her hands on the loot. With Porter Hall, James Seay, Harry Lauter, Kit Taylor as Jim Hawkins, and Robert Long as Long John Silver. 75 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.Greatest Classic Films: WWII Double Feature [DVD] DVDTwo-disc set includes "Battle Cry" and "Battle of the Bulge."The Sea Chase [DVD](1955) DVDJohn Wayne is the Hitler-loathing skipper of a decrepit German freighter who faces danger and romance as he tries to steer the ship from Australian waters to Chile during World War II. Lana Turner is the spy who loves him, and Tab Hunter, James Arness and Paul Fix add able support. 117 min. Widescreen; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital Surround stereo, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French. The Girl He Left Behind [DVD](1956) DVDAfter his college has had its fill of his loafing, spoiled, indolent jock Tab Hunter finds himself with a new opportunity...basic training, courtesy of his Uncle Sam. Try as he might to wash out so he can get back to girlfriend Natalie Wood, the disrespectful draftee finds himself getting lessons in manhood instead. Clever military comedy co-stars Jessie Royce Landis, Jim Backus, Murray Hamilton, and James Garner. 103 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.The Burning Hills [DVD](1956) DVDFrom the pen of western author Louis L'Amour comes this thrilling sagebrush saga about young rancher Trace Jordan (Tab Hunter) and his quest for vengeance against Jack Sutton (Skip Homeier), the crooked cattle baron who had his brother murdered. Wounded by Sutton's thugs during a confrontation, Trace is joined by a beautiful half-Mexican woman (Natalie Wood)--whose father was also killed by Sutton--as he makes a desperate run for his life. Eduard Franz, Earl Holliman co-star. 92 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.Lafayette Escadrille (Remastered Edition) [DVD](1958) DVDSpectacular aerial sequences highlight this high-flying epic involving the young American volunteers of the famous French air group during World War I. Tab Hunter, Etchika Choureau, Jody McCrea star, with early appearances by Clint Eastwood and David Janssen. Director William Wellman's story was based in part on his own WWI exploits. 93 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.They Came To Cordura [DVD](1959) DVDTough frontier drama that looks at the nature of heroism stars Gary Cooper as a soldier accused of cowardice in 1916, charged with finding five Medal of Honor candidates and bringing them to a military outpost. With Rita Hayworth, Van Heflin, Tab Hunter. 123 min. Standard and Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English, Japanese. Operation Bikini [DVD](1963) DVDAmerican International infused its "Beach Party" regulars into this World War II actioner of a Navy demolitions crew charged with finding and destroying a sunken sub before its secrets can be captured by the Japanese. One-of-a-kind ensemble includes Tab Hunter, Frankie Avalon, Scott Brady, Jim Backus, Jody McCrea, Gary Crosby, and Eva Six. 80 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.Ride The Wild Surf [DVD](1964) DVDColumbia attempted to catch the "beach party film" wave with this more serious look at three surf bums in Hawaii whose ambitions revolve around surfing competitions and girls. Tab Hunter, Susan Hart, Fabian, Shelley Fabares, Peter Brown and Barbara Eden star; theme by Jan and Dean. 101 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English.The Loved One [DVD](1965) DVDOutrageous black comedy, promoted as "the motion picture with something to offend everyone!," stars Robert Morse as a British poet who visits California and, after his uncle's death, is introduced to the seamier side of the funeral industry. Rod Steiger, Anjanette Comer, Liberace, and, in a dual role, Jonathan Winters also star in Tony Richardson's adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's novel. 121 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; featurette; theatrical trailer.Birds Do It [DVD](1966) DVDMelvin Byrd (Soupy Sales, in his first and only starring film role) is a "miniscule molecular particle surveillance monitor," which means he dusts the nuclear missiles that are housed at Cape Kennedy. While trying to keep the warheads clean in the face of enemy agents' attempts to dirty them up, Melvyn is accidentally negatively ionized, endowing him with the ability to fly. Tab Hunter, Arthur O'Connell co-star in this wacky comedy; look quickly for a cameo by Dean Martin as himself. 89 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.The Life And Times Of Judge Roy Bean [DVD](1972) DVDJohn Huston's flavorful western stars Paul Newman as the legendary, self-appointed "Law West of the Pecos," a one-time wanted man who arrives in the town of Vinegaroon, Texas, takes over as its judge and dispenses his own brand of justice. The great supporting cast Jacqueline Bisset, Victoria Principal, Stacy Keach, Anthony Perkins, and Ava Gardner as Lily Langtry. 123 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French.The Timber Tramps [DVD](1975) DVDSaboteurs want the land owned by a woman for their sawmill operation and call on a ranger to help them out. But the woman has her own set of friends who want to help her against the swindlers. Claude Akins, Tab Hunter, Joseph Cotten, Rosey Grier star in this adventure filled with beautiful Alaskan scenery. 98 min. Soundtrack: English.Grease 2 [DVD](1982) DVDMore marvelous musical fun! Rydell High is up in the air over a mysterious motorcycle master who's charming Pink Lady Michelle Pfeiffer away from T-Bird leader Adrian Zmed. Could he possibly be quiet new student Maxwell Caulfield? Fun-filled '60s sequel also stars Lorna Luft, Tab Hunter, Eve Arden, Didi Conn. 114 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Surround, French Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English. Grease (1978)/Grease 2 (1982) [DVD] DVDGet out your poodle skirts and penny loafers and get ready to rock 'n' roll with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in "Grease" (1978), the hit screen rendition of the Broadway musical look at '50s high school life. Songs include "Greased Lightning," "Summer Nights," "You're the One That I Want" and the title track; with Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Didi Conn, Eve Arden. And, it's time for more marvelous musical fun in "Grease 2" (1982)! Rydell High is up in the air over a mysterious motorcycle master who's charming Pink Lady Michelle Pfeiffer away from T-Bird leader Adrian Zmed. Could it possibly be quiet new student Maxwell Caulfield? Fun-filled '60s sequel also stars Lorna Luft, Tab Hunter, Arden, Conn. 3 3/4 hrs. total on two discs.Lust In The Dust (1985)/Beyond Therapy [DVD](1987) DVDFirst, when gold is discovered in the sleepy Western town of Chile Verde, a stampede of ruthless gunmen, wanton dance hall girls, and laughter follows, in the sagebrush spoof "Lust in the Dust." "Polyester" co-stars Tab Hunter and Divine are reunited, along with Lainie Kazan and Cesar Romero. Next, neurotic couple Jeff Goldblum and Julie Hagerty are determined to have a happy relationship, in spite of Glenda Jackson and Tom Conti...their even crazier therapists! "Beyond Therapy" co-stars Christopher Guest, Genevieve Page; Robert Altman directs. 178 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.Roger Corman's Cult Classics All-Night Marathon: Vampires, Mummies & Monsters (2-Disc Special Edition) [DVD] DVDFirst, a crew from a college archeological expedition investigating King Tut's tomb returns home to unveil what seems to be a mummy that they found in a sarcophagus. However, an alien substance is unleashed that eats human flesh. More problems arise when the supposed mummy is resurrected and starts terrorizing the university. Ben Murphy, Nina Axelrod, and Shari Belafonte star in "Time Walker" (1982). AKA: "Being from Another Planet." Next, a band of psychotic punks busts into a vacation home in the mountains and butchers a girl's family, but she gets away. As the killers pursue her through the snow, they soon realize that their acts have somehow unleashed a hellish, deformed creature intent on vengeance. Linda Blair, Tab Hunter, Donna Wilkes, and Robert Z'Dar star in "Grotesque" (1988). Two-disc set also includes "Lady Frankenstein" and "The Velvet Vampire." 5 1/2 hrs. total. Standard/Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English; audio commentary; interview; theatrical trailers; TV spots.Cameron's Closet [DVD](1989) DVDA lonely boy's closet seems to materialize his deepest fears and violent impulses, starting with the decapitation of his father. A well-written foray into psychic terror starring Mel Harris ("thirtysomething") and Tab Hunter. 86 min. Out Of The Dark [DVD](1989) DVDA clown-masked psychopath is stalking the ladies who work for a Los Angeles phone sex service...and he's making sure that they'll never breathe heavily again. A photographer who's dating one of the girls becomes the prime suspect and must race against time to find the real killer and clear his name. Cameron Dye and Lynn Danielson star in this seamy suspenser along with a cast of cult movie faves that includes Karen Black, Bud Cort, Tab Hunter, Paul Bartel, and in his/her film farewell, Divine.Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.

TELEVISION GUEST APPEARANCESMatch Game, five appearances, orginally aired September 1978Burke's Law, episode Who Killed Andy Zygmunt?, originally aired March 13, 1964Combat!, episode The Celebrity, originally aired November 27, 1962Saints and Sinners, episode Three Columns of Anger, originally aired October 22, 1962General Electric Theater, episode Disaster, originally aired November 1, 1959Playhouse 90, episode Portrait of a Murderer, originally aired February 27, 1958Hallmark Hall of Fame, episode Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates, originally aired February 9, 1958Conflict, episode The People Against McQuade, originally aired November 13, 1956Playhouse 90, episode Forbidden Area, originally aired October 4, 1956Climax!, episode Fear Strikes Out, originally aired August 18, 1955Lux Video Theatre, episode Lightning Strikes Twice, originally aired June 9, 1955The Ford Television Theatre, episode While We're Young, originally aired April 28, 1955

tab hunter links

The Official Tab Hunter Website
Visit Tab Hunter's official web site, with biographical information, a filmography, and information on Hunter's latest project, Hollywood on Horses. A terrific selection of photos is offered, and each can be autographed.